Girl with autism and assistance dog rejected from South Burnett Kindergartens

The mother of a South Burnett girl who was non-verbal, self-harming and isolated before the arrival of her assistance dog says they are now being rejected by kindergartens.

Erika Bela Heim, 4, was unable to play or make connections with anyone, including her family, until the arrival of Whoopi the Australian Cobberdog in April 2021.

A South Burnett mum is making a desperate plea to kindergartens to give her daughter Erika and her autism assistance dog a chance.

Erika Bela Heim, 4, has level three autism, sensory processing disorder, severe anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, severe pathological demand avoidance disorder and is globally delayed.

She was non-verbal, self-harming, unable to sleep, suffered regular meltdowns and was unable to play or make connections with anyone, including her family, until the arrival of Whoopi the Australian Cobberdog in April 2021.

Erika’s mother Annita Heim said her inability to make eye contact or withstand touch was heartbreaking.

“We as a family were about to give up when I noticed the only thing that calmed her down were animals, that’s when I took a leap of faith,” she said.

Erika began to talk, make eye contact and became happier after two weeks of welcoming Whoopi into the family.

Miss Heim said Erika’s therapists couldn’t believe her improvement.

“They were able to build relationships with her when they had been trying for eight months and had gotten nowhere,” Miss Heim said.

“Erika and Whoopi have a special and unique connection.

“When she is self-harming or having a meltdown Whoopi applies deep pressure by climbing into her lap and puts out his paws for her to hold, this distracts her and keeps her safe.”

Whoopi applies deep pressure to Erika when she is distressed or self-harming, this distracts her from the pain and calms her down.

In recent months Miss Heim said they were unable to be accepted into a kindergarten.

She said once kindergartens found out about Whoopi they either cut contact or rejected their inquiry.

Miss Heim and Whoopi’s trainers have documents verifying Whoopi’s training, certificates and references from doctors, therapists and community members.

“They’re breaching the disability act, the discrimination act and my daughters human rights,” Ms Heim said.

“We're asking for a two hour trial, then a review with staff and we’re not even being given that.

“Whoopi is fully certified, trained, well groomed and incredibly well behaved.”

Both Ends of the Leash owner and founder Diane Petersen said Erika had a level of community engagement that she never had before because of Whoopi.

“Whoopi is a beautiful dog and he has helped Erika make incredible progress,” Ms Petersen said.

“We have provided dogs to people in schools, TAFE and Uni with no issue at all.

“Children who go into lessons and appointments with their dog are ready to work from the moment they arrive, rather than waiting 20 minutes for their emotions to regulate.”

Whoopi accompanies Erika Bela to all of her therapy and medical appointments.

A Department of Education spokesperson said approved early childhood education and care providers would have their own policies governing assistance dogs.

“There is nothing in the Education and Care Services National Law that would preclude access by assistance dogs, as long as appropriate risk assessment and management was in place,” the spokesman said.

“The new Kindy Funding model commencing in January 2023 includes additional funding to support the inclusion of all eligible children in an approved kindergarten program irrespective of diversity of background or additional needs.”

An Australian Assistance Dogs spokesman said an Autism Service Dog has full public access rights meaning they are allowed in any public place.

“It is illegal to refuse entry to a service dog,” he said.

Miss Heim and Erika are determined to continue searching for a kindergarten Erika can attend.

Erika and Whoopi’s journey is documented on Facebook to spread awareness and normalise assistance dogs for other families with children.